---
title: "The Shawshank Redemption"
year: 1994
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-shawshank-redemption-1994"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 278
imdb_id: "tt0111161"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 142
community_rating: 8.7
vote_count: 30785
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Shawshank Redemption (1994) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-shawshank-redemption-1994

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont. Based on the 1982 Stephen King novella titled Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the film explores themes of hope and friendship within a prison setting. The story follows Andy Dufresne, a quiet banker who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murders of his wife and her lover. During his long stretch in prison, which spans over a quarter century, Dufresne puts his accounting skills to work for an amoral warden. Throughout his imprisonment, he forms a close friendship with a fellow lifer named Red and earns the admiration of other inmates for his integrity and unquenchable sense of hope. By performing simple acts of compassion, Dufresne manages to retain his humanity while navigating the harsh environment of the penitentiary. The film features performances by Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, and William Sadler. It remains available for viewing on various streaming platforms, including Netflix and Prime Video.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A wrongly convicted banker finds hope and friendship behind bars."

### Why Watch
- Powerful themes of hope and resilience
- Strong performances and character development

### Caveats & Content Note
- Pacing may feel slow to some viewers
- Tone & Suitability: Suitable for mature audiences due to prison setting and thematic content.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: hopeful, slow-burn, emotional, inspiring, grounded

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, Sky Go, Now TV Cinema, HBO Max | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Starz Amazon Channel, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Frank Darabont
- **Networks / Studios**: Castle Rock Entertainment

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Tim Robbins** as *Andy Dufresne*
- **Morgan Freeman** as *Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding*
- **Bob Gunton** as *Warden Norton*
- **William Sadler** as *Heywood*
- **Clancy Brown** as *Captain Byron T. Hadley*
- **Gil Bellows** as *Tommy*
- **James Whitmore** as *Brooks Hatlen*
- **Mark Rolston** as *Bogs Diamond*
- **Jeffrey DeMunn** as *1946 D.A.*
- **Larry Brandenburg** as *Skeet*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is The Shawshank Redemption based on a book?
Yes, it is based on a novella by Stephen King.

### Q: Who stars in The Shawshank Redemption?
Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman play the lead roles.

### Q: What is the movie about?
It follows a banker sentenced to life in prison who forms a bond with another inmate.

### Q: Is it a true story?
No, it is fictional.

### Q: Where can I watch it?
It is available on various streaming platforms including Netflix and Prime Video.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Shawshank Redemption - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shawshank_Redemption)
- [The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/)
- [Watch The Shawshank Redemption | Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70005379)
- [Official site](http://www.shawshankredemption.org/)
- [The Shawshank Redemption streaming: watch online](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-shawshank-redemption)
- [The Shawshank Redemption (1994) | Full Movie - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA2JLs6RhDA)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*